Mirror support for a remotely controlled rear view mirror mechanism



Sept. 22, 1964 T FUQUA 3,149,812

MIRROR SUPPORT FOR A REMOTELY CONTROLLED REAR VIEW MIRROR MECHANISM 2Sheets-Sheet l Filed April 16, 1963 INVENTOR /oya /'aa M T O Y A T RNE322, 1964 T. FUQUA 3,149,812 MIRRR SUPPORT FOR :A REMOTELY CONTROLLED.MAR vIEw MIRROR MECHANISM Filled Apr-i1 16, 31965 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2zz, as aa g INVENTOR.

A T TO/PNE Y United States Patent O 3,149,312 MIRRGR SUPFQRT FOR AIElt/ITEIZ CGNTRLLED REAR VIEW MIRRR MECHANISM Lloyd T. Fuqua,Fortviile, Ind., assignor to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich.,a corporation of Delaware Filed Apr. I6, 1963, Ser. No. 273,357 l2Qlaims. (Cl. 248-288) This invention relates to a mirror support and,more particularly, to a mirror support construction having particularutility with a remotely controlled mirror mechanism.

In the construction of present day remotely controlled rear view mirrormechanisms, it is customary Ito mount the mirror support to the housingthrough some form of universal connection. In almost all instances, thisuniversal connection takes the form of ball-and-socket members with oneoi the members being iixed to the housing while the other is securedwith fthe mirror support. As should be apparent, a construction of thissort is expensive to manufacture and also presents problems in assembly.

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a mirrorsupport of simple and inexpensive construction which may be readilymoun-ted to a base housing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mirror supportthat can be connected to `the housing of a remotely controlled mirrormechanism through a diaphragm-type connection and still be universallyadjustable about axes substantially parallel to the mirror element.

The above and other objects are accomplished by a mirror supportcomprising a body portion having means formed therewith for retaining amirror element. A mounting means is connected to the body portionthrough flexible means which has parts thereof supported by the mountingmeans and body portion to permit movement of the latter about aplurality of laxes which are substantially parallel to the plane of themirror element. In the preferred form, the flexible means is formed as adiaphragm with the outer periphery thereof connected to the body portionwhile the center is secured to the mounting means.

A more complete understanding of the invention will be obtained from astudy of the following detailed description taken in conjunction withthe drawings in which:

FIGURE l shows a remotely controlled rear View mirror mechanism mountedon a vehicle and of a type with which the present invention can beemployed;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged View taken on line 2-2 of FIGURE l showing someparts broken away and others sectioned in order to more clearlyillustrate the details of the mirror mechanism;

FIGURE 3 is a View taken on 'the line 3 3 of FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an isometric view showing the details of the mirror support;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary View of a mirror support having a modifieduniversal connection;

FIGURE 6 is a view taken on line 6 -6 of FIGURE 5 FIGURE 7 is asectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIGURE 5; and

FIGURE 8 is an isometric fragmentary view showing the universalconnection of FIGURES 5 through 7.

Referring now to the drawings and speciiically FIG- URES l through 3thereof, a rear view mirror mechanism generally indicated by the numeralI@ is shown mounted exteriorly to the outer sheet metal or" a vehicledoor 12. A pair of cables 14 and I5, that comprise the usual wire andsheath portion and act in tension and ldgl? Patented Sept. 22, 1964compression, are each mounted at one end within the mirror mechanismwhile the other ends are connected to an actuator generally indicated bythe numeral 18. As should be apparent, the mirror mechanism illustratedis of the remotely controlled type which permits a mirror support 20 tobe adjusted by the vehicle driver from within the vehicle. In thisregard, and as best seen in FIGURE 2, the actuator is fixed to the trimpanel 22 of the door within readily accessible reach of the driver.

A mirror mechanism similar to the above-described type can be seen incopending patent application Serial Number 273,356, iiled April 16,1963, in the names of Lloyd T. Fuqua, George C. Campbell, and Lucien W.Pryo-r and assigned to the assignee of this invention. Reference is madeto that application for a detailed description and explanation of theoperation of this device; however, for present purposes it shouldsuliice to mention that this mechanism includes a housing or base 24 forthe mirror support with adjustment of the latter being accomplishedthrough a pair of cam support members 26 and 28 that are rotatablymounted on a boss 39 and have oppositely extending arms formedtherewith. The cam support members are connected through the cables 14and 16 to a universally supported control knob 32 so that upon pivotalmovement of the latter either selective or cojoint movement of thecables is realized, which in turn, causes one or both of the cam supportmembers to rotate `about the axis of the boss 3i). A cone-typeprojection 34, formed with each arm of the respective cam supportmembers, engages one of four ramp portions 36 integrally formed with therear of the mirror support. As best seen in FIGURE 2 each ramp portionis arcuate in form and located on a circle so that upon rotativemovement of, for example, the cam support member 26, the projection onone arm thereof rides up a ramp while the other projection rides downthe other ramp, resulting in tilting movement of the mirror supportabout a horizontal axis lei-H. Similarly when the cam support member 28is rotated, sidewise movement of the mirror support about a verticalaxis V-V is realized. Finally, when both cam support members are rotatedsimultaneously, tilting movement of the mirror support occurs about anaxis I located in the same plane as the axes V--V and H-H buttherebetween.

With reference to FIGURES 3 and 4, the mirror support 2d utilized withthe above-described mirror mechanism is similar to that shown in patentapplication S.N. 273,520 led April 16, 1963 in the name of Ralph K.Stum, and is adapted to support a mirror element between a body portion35 and a rim 37 that is connected with the former by a pair of radiallyextending arms. The entire mirror support is made from a readilymoldable material such as plastic. The body portion 35 is of a generallycircular outer form provided with a flat annular bearing surface 38 onthe front face thereof which integrally connects with an axiallyextending ring portion iii that is tapered from its widest to itsnarrowest point along the H-I-I axis to permit the face of the mirrorsupport to normally face the driver. The ring portion leads into aradially inwardly extending portion 42, the rear of which is formed withthe aforementioned ramps. A thin annular diaphragm generally indicatedby the numeral da connects the body portion 35 with a stud te that iscentrally located with respect to the ramps and the marginal edge of thebody portion. As best seen in FIGURE 3, the stud is accommodated by abore in the boss 3@ and is rigidly secured therein so as to retain theramps on the mirror support in contact with the projections 34.

The diaphragm 44 is a significant feature of the mirror support Ztlinasmuch as it eliminates the need for the usual es ball-and-soclretconnection frequently employed for universally pivotally supporting amirror support. In the preferred embodiment, the diaphragm is integralwith the body portion 35 and stud 46, and is formed from a material,such as plastic, into a thin flexible sheet. More specifically and asbest seen in FIGURES 3 and 4, the diaphragm comprises a radiallyextending base portion 4S which at one end connects to the mirrorsupport body portion 35 which at the other end leads into an outwardlyballooned portion 5@ that is fixed to the stud 3ft. As should beapparent, the diaphragm serv-es as a tiexible connection between thebody portion and the stud to permit the mirror support to tilt inresponse to movement of the cam support members as described above.Since the diaphragm is of a relatively thin cross section, flexingaction thereof easily occurs and thereby permits any mirror supportadjustment which would normally be provided in this type of mechanism bythe conventional ball-and-socket connection. In this particularinstance, theA diaphragm thickness was selected so as to provide a firmsupport of the body portion and mirror element and at the same timeallow sufficient flexibility for adjustable movement of the mirrorsupport.

FIGURES 5 through 8 show a modified mirror support 26 made in accordancewith the invention, and in this instance the body portion 35 isintegrally connected with a plurality of spoke members one of which isindicated by the numeral d4. Each spoke leads to an axially extendingstud similar to that utilized with the embodiment of FIGURE 3. As bestseen in FIGURE 5 the spoke members extend from the stud and curve aboutthe longitudinal axis thereof into connecting engagement with the bodyportion of the mirror support. This particular arrangement, as in thecase of the preferred embodiment, permits the mirror support to betilted substantially out of its normal plane and provides universalmovement thereof about axes substantially parallel to the mirrorelement.

It should be noted that although the mirror support made in accordancewith the present invention is disclosed with a mechanism that employscamming members for adjusting the mirror, it can be used equally as wellwith remotely controlled mirror constructions in which the cables aredirectly connected to the rear of the mirror support. In other words,there are various constructions in the prior art with which the presentinvention can be utilized, it being understood that the particularmechanism disclosed is for illustrative purposes only. Moreover, itshoud be noted that by having the mirror support constructed asdescribed above, the rigid connection of the flexible means with thestud and body portion of the mirror support serves to preclude anypossibility of any appreciable rotative movement or" the latter aboutthe longitudinal axis of the stud. IIhus, the problem of twisting andfouling of cables is eliminated in the case of mirror mechanisms wherethe cables are directly connected to the body portion 35 of the mirrorsupport or, as would be the case with the cam-operated mechanism,misalignment of the camming members is alleviated.

As alluded to above, various changes and modifications can be made inthe above-described mirror support Without departing from the spirit ofthe invention. Such changes and modications are contemplated by theinventor and he does not wish to be limited except by the scope of theappended claims.

I claim:

l. A support for universally supporting a mirror element on a base,comprising a body portion, means on said body portion for retaining themirror element, means adapted to be fixed to said base, and diaphragmmeans having portions thereof connected to said last-mentioned means andsaid body portion so as to permit movement of said body portion about aplurality of axes substantially parallel to the plane of the mirrorelement.

2. A support for universally supporting a mirror element on a base,comprising a body portion, means on said body portion for retaining themirror, means adapted to be fixed to said base, and a plurality offiexible spoke members having the opposite ends thereof connected tosaid last-mentioned means .and said body portion so as to permit pivotalmovement of said body portion about a plurality of ares substantiallyparallel to the plane of the mirror element.

3. A support for universally supporting a mirror element on a base,comprising a body portion, first means on said body portion forretaining the mirror element, second means adapted to be fixed to saidbase, and a thin fiexible member having portions connected to saidsecond means and said body portion, said member extending radiallyoutwardly from the second means and being formed of an elastic materialso as to permit said body portion to be pivoted about a plurality ofaxes substantially parallel to the plane of the mirror element.

4. A support for universally supporting a mirror element on a base,comprising a body portion conforming in outer configuration to themirror element, means on said body portion for retaining the mirrorelement in a fixed position so as to expose the reflecting surface, astud adapted to be fixed to said base, and flexible means havingportions connected to said stud and said body portion, saidlastfmentioned means extending radially outwardly from the stud andbeing attached to said body portion so as to permit the latter to bepivoted about a plurality of axes substantially parallel to the plane ofthe mirror element.

5. A support for universally supporting a mirror element on a base,comprising a body portion, first means on said body portion forretaining the mirror element7 second means adapted to be fixed to saidbase, and third means having a first portion `and second portionrespectively supported by said second means and said body portion, saidthird means being formed of an elastic material in sheet form so as toprovide a flexing action thereof between the rst and second portionsduring pivotal movement fof the support about axes parallel to themirror element.

5. A support for universally supporting a mirror element on a base,comprising a body portion, means on said body portion for retaining themirror element, means adapted to be fixed to said base, and a lieiribledisk-type member having its central and outer portion respectivelysupported by said last-mentioned means and said body portion andpermitting pivotal movement of said body portion about a plurality ofaxes substantially parallel to the plane of the mirror element.

7. In combination, a base, a mirror support comprising a body portion,mounting means fixed to said base, a fiexible disk-type member havingits central and outer portion respectively supported by saidlast-mentioned means and said body portion and permitting pivotalmoveent of said body portion about a plurality of axes substantiallyparallel to the plane of the mirror element, and means supported by saidbracket and operatively associated with said body portion forpositioning the latter about said axes.

8. In combination, a base, a mirror support comprising a body portion,mounting means xed to said base, and a plurality of spoke members havingthe opposite ends of each respectively supported by said last-mentionedmeans and said body portion and permitting pivotal movement `of saidbody portion about a plurality of axes substantially parallel to theplane of the mirror element, and means supported by said base andoperatively associated with said body portion for positioning the latterabout said axes.

9.V In combination, a base, a mirror support comprising a body portion,mounting means fixed to said bracket, diaphragm means having a first andsecond portion respectively supported by said last-mentioned means andsaid body portion and permitting pivotal movement of said body portionabout a plurality of axes substantially parallel to the plane of themirror element, and means supported by said base and operativelyassociated with said body portion for positioning the latter about saidaxes.

10. In combination, `a base, a mirror support comprising a body portion,mounting means ixed to said base, diaphragm means having a rst andsecond portion respectively supported by said last-mentioned means andsaid body portion and permitting pivotal movement of said body portionabout a plurality of axes substantially parallel to the plane of themirror element, means pivotally supported by said base and engaging saidbody portion, and means connected to said last-mentioned means 153,096,664

for pivoting the latter for positioning the mirror support about ysaidaxes.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said means pivotally supported bysaid base comprises a pair of cam followers rotatably supported aboutthe longitudinal axis of the mounting means, cam means formed |on therear of the body portion and engaged by said cam followers.

12. The device of claim l()` wherein said means connected to saidlast-mentioned mean-s comprises a pair of cables, land a remotelylocated actuator secured to said cables for selectively land conjointlyoperating said cables.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS WalshJuly 9, 1963

1. A SUPPORT FOR UNIVERSALLY SUPPORTING A MIRROR ELEMENT ON A BASE,COMPRISING A BODY PORTION, MEANS ON SAID BODY PORTION FOR RETAINING THEMIRROR ELEMENT, MEANS ADAPTED TO BE FIXED TO SAID BASE, AND DIAPHRAGMMEANS HAVING PORTIONS THEREOF CONNECTED TO SAID LAST-MENTIONED MEANS ANDSAID BODY PORTION SO AS TO PERMIT MOVEMENT OF SAID BODY PORTION ABOUT APLURALITY OF AXES SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO THE PLANE OF THE MIRRORELEMENT.